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CHICAGO—Maple Leafs assistant general manager Mark Hunter ran his third draft and if there was a theme, it was “a big, strong guy.” The Leafs took two six-foot-six defenceman on Saturday — and nobody under six-feet tall — on the second and final day of the 2017 NHL draft.

Counting Timothy Liljegren, chosen in Friday’s first round, the Leafs took four defencemen with their seven picks.

“We took who we thought was the best player at the moment. It seemed like there was more defence in the draft this year,” Hunter said. “We filled some holes. Now it’s time for our development department to take over and help make these young men better.”

Here’s how Saturday’s picks size up and what Hunter likes about them.

Eemeli Rasanen

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Defenceman

Second round, 59th overall

Hometown: Joensuu, Finland

Vitals: 6-foot-6, 214 pounds

Shoots: Right

Junior: Kingston (OHL)

Stats: GP 66 | G 6 | A 33

The skinny: Tries to model his game after Rasmus Ristolainen ... Has represented Finland in Under-18s, and Under-17s. Offensively minded, and uses his impressive size well and is tough in the corners.

Hunter says: “A big, strong guy. He needs to develop his body. He’s a little inconsistent because his legs don’t carry his body. He’s got a great shot. Huge upside on his skill level.”

Ian Scott

Goaltender

Fourth round, 110th overall

Hometown: Calgary

Vitals: 6-foot-3, 169 pounds

Junior: Prince Albert (WHL)

Stats: 12-31-0 | GAA 3.24 | Save % .892

The skinny: Models himself after Carey Price. ... Represented Canada at the world under-18s, and won gold for Canada White at the world under-17s.

Hunter says: “Played on not a great team, so his stats aren’t as good as it should be. His technique, and his size and his quickness side-to-side is very good.”

Vladislav Kara

Left winger

Fourth round, 124th overall

Hometown: Salekhard, Russia

Vitals: 6-foot-1, 187 pounds

Shoots: Left

Junior: Irbis Kazan (MHL)

Stats: GP 31 | G 11 | A 9

The skinny: Smooth skater. The only overage player taken by the Leafs.

Hunter says: “A big, strong winger who can play a two-way game and can skate, handle pucks and drive the net.”

Fedor Gordeev

Defenceman

Fifth round, 141st overall

Hometown: Omsk, Russia

Vitals: 6-foot-6, 211 pounds

Shoots: Left

Junior: Flint (OHL)

Stats: GP 62 | G 3 | A 10

The skinny: Family moved to Etobicoke from Russia to find a better life when he was eight. Has that combination of size, speed and skill scouts drool for.

Hunter says: “A big, strong defenceman who can dunk a ball. He’s got a bomb. He can shoot a puck. Got skill, just needs to calm down and make better plays consistently on the ice.”

Ryan McGregor

Centre, left winger

Sixth round, 172nd overall

Hometown: Burlington

Vitals: 6-feet, 159 pounds

Shoots: Left

Junior: Sarnia (OHL)

Stats: GP 65 | G 14 | A 23

The skinny: Wendel Clark is his hockey hero and he admires Johnny Gaudreau.

Hunter says: “He needs strength. He’s got hockey sense, he’s got skill. Didn’t have a great year last year. I believe he’s got some upside and will take off next year.”

Ryan O’Connell

Defenceman

Seventh round, 203rd overall

Hometown: Gloucester, Ont.

Vitals: 6-foot-1, 170 pounds

Shoots: Left

Junior: St. Andrews College (OHSL)

Stats: GP 47 | G 6 | A 27

The skinny: Bound for the Penticton Vees of the BC Tier II league next year and has committed Boston University for 2018-19.

Hunter says: “Right out of our backyard. A good program in BU and this kid has a good upside. We’ll be patient with him and watch his development.”

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